Each client receives one-on-one attention through the entire design, approval & construction process from at least one of our highly-skilled & experienced architects.

Client participation:

To ensure our client's needs are satisfied we invite our clients to participate and provide input throughout the design process. It is a team effort. After all, it's our job to actualize our client's dream and satisfy their needs.

Creativity:

The design concept is achieved through a combination of our architectural collective, as well as the input obtained through branstorming sessions and constant communication with the client.

Style:

The style of our buildings is as unique as our client's needs and preferences but always considers the precedent of the neighborhood. With each new client a new dream becomes reality. Expect style, functionality and inspiring interior spaces that will not fade with the ages.

Professionalism:

We maintain a consistently high level of professional care and responsibility for each project. We guarantee our work to be of highest quality, as we know our clients would expect nothing less. We work in your best interest - your project is our project.

The Design Process:A full service from your Architect involves five phases:

The Program Phase: We will work with you to determine the project requirements and study the project feasibility. We will explore the variables and probable costs, and even look at the return on investment.

The Design Phase: If your project is a remodel, we will measure and photograph the existing conditions and provide existing condition drawings as required. We will develop alternative schematic plans with related construction costs for each. Over the course of our design meetings, we will work with you to develop the final design and provide design drawings as necessary so that the solution is clearly communicated to both you and the Planning Department as required. It is typical that your project design will be illustrated in many 3D renderings so that you fully understand the aesthetics of the Project.

Construction Documents Phase: Based on the approved preliminary design, we will prepare the Working Drawings and complete Specifications which set forth in detail the requirements for the construction of the Project. We will assist you in filing the documents required to obtain a building permit.

Bidding Phase: We will help you in the selection of a General Contractor by obtaining competitive bids or in negotiating a contract for the construction of the Project. We have a long-standing working relationship with many Marin County contractors, each being known for quality-consciousness as well as competitive pricing. We will recommend the top of the list for your consideration.

Construction Phase: During construction we will make periodic site visits to determine in general if the work in being performed in accordance with the Contract Documents. On the basis of these observations, we will keep you informed of the progress and quality of work and shall endeavor to guard against defects and deficiencies. We will administer periodic progress payments made by the client to the General Contractor. Certification of these payments shall be based on observations of the work in progress and evaluations of the contractor's applications for payment. Payments so certified are based on the percentage of the work satisfactorily completed in order to protect the Owner from overpayment. We are there to protect your interests.

Firm Description:

Richard Rushton and Arthur Chartock established our firm in 1976, to be joined later by partner Elizabeth Rubin. Over the years, our firm has successfully completed hundreds of projects. These projects have been featured in several books and magazines such as "Better Homes and Gardens", "Remodel", "Outdoor Places" and "Country Style" by Time-Life Books. We have won design awards from the State of California, City of San Rafael, Town of Fairfax, the Pacific Coast Builders' Conference, and Mercy Charities Housing.

Ultimately our goal is to create high quality buildings, appropriate to their settings while at the same time being extremely functional and green with inspiring, interesting interior spaces. We offer a wide range of architectural services - from planning and program development through design and construction documents, to on-site construction administration. We specialize in project feasibility and cost estimating.

Our Company, a Marin County Residential Architectural firm, has been serving the Bay Area for nearly 40 years. We specialize in residential work including new custom homes, residential remodels, affordable housing, multi-family, land planning, as well as commercial buildings. Established in 1976 we have worked with hundreds of clients to bring their dreams to life.